"Timbuktu" a Timbuktu Travel Page by Alpha_Ghana

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Centre of Timbuktu

Old centre of commerce

Timbuktu would have been created in the 5th century of Islam (12th century). by Touaregs who were living around the fertile berths of the River Niger. They first settled a provisory camp. During the long journeys with their cattles, they gave the camp to the survey of an old woman called "Bouctou".
With years, the camp grew up and became very important, taking the name of "Tim-Bouctou" or "The place of Bouctou" in the Tamashek dialect.

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TImbuktu

Timbuktu is probably the last place in the world where Europeans put their feet and could come back to talk about it.
It is only at the late end of the 19th century that French could enter the town. It was a legendary town up to then.
The Touaregs never really accpeted the French domination. They are a proud independant people with their own culture.
Frenchs always had to fight against Touaregs and Timbuktu has never been a very pacified town.
After the decolonisation and the indenpendance of Mali, Touarged did not accepted the central power of Mali.
It is only in 1996 that Timbuktu really accepted to be part of the republic of Mali.
The town is now open for tourist and inhabitants can take their profit of the foreigners who come to wisit this legendary place.

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Camels

Old fashion transport

You won't see many cars and trucks in Timbuktu, the old transport way for caravanes is still there.